8-yr-old Rachel Dias has donated hundreds of books to deserving children in Mauritius, Vietnam and Goa
Rachel Dias along with some children from San Jose de Areal village in Salcete.
PANAJI
An 8-year-old Goan girl’s foundation based in Dubai and an organisation based in the USA and Goa have embarked on a project with a passion to improve the lives of deserving children by providing inspiring book collections and engaging literacy programmes.
On April 10, the Rachel Foundation and Goa Sudharop handed over 150 kgs of resources to deserving children in the interiors of San Jose de Areal village in Salcete.
Rachel Dias is a Year 4 student studying in a British curriculum school in Dubai and is supported in all her activities by her twin brother, Troy.
Rachel Dias along with some of the books and stationery at San Jose de Areal village in Salcete.
THE PURPOSE
Remediana (Remy) Dias, a school leader in Dubai, who is involved in the project on behalf of her 8-year-old daughter Rachel Jasmina Dias, said the plan in future is to provide reading books to schools, libraries, and organisations across the state of Goa.
“The ‘Books for All’ project aspires to empower and embolden every child through a culture of reading. For many of the children, ‘Books for All’ project will represent a crucial link to a strong literacy education, and its programmes will help build and nurture support systems for the development of literate minds,” said Remy.
“By immersing children in an integrated world of literary experiences that teaches them, first-hand, the impact of reading on every aspect of life, imagination will be ignited, and confidence will be built for a prosperous future, regardless of religion, caste, economic status, or personal capabilities.”
THE INCEPTION
Remy said Rachel had told her father, who was planning a family holiday trip to Mauritius, that she would like to donate her books to deserving children in Mauritius.
“We helped her pack 100-kg story books, that were given to M-kids Organisation in Mauritius. M-kids sent a beautiful letter, appreciating her efforts and how the books touched the lives of children who are using it,” said Remy.
“That prompted her to do it more intensively and the next big donation of story books was for Saigon Children’s Charity in Vietnam. At this time, she got appointed as the Reading ambassador for the ‘We Love Reading Programme’ in UAE by the Taghyeer Organisation in Jordan.”
“Rachel did story reading sessions for different schools in Dubai, namely Gems Midern Academy, The Oxford School, St Mary’s School, The Indian Academy, the Philadelphia School and British Orchard Nursery.”
THE PROJECT
The ‘Books for All’ project was initiated when Rachel went up to her mother and suggested that they organise a book donation drive for deserving children.
“She had been listening to me interacting with her godmother, Verma D’Mello, who is Executive President of Goa Sudharop Organisation, about how many children across Goa, do not have access to story books,” said Remy.
“We garnered the support of three other like-minded students from Dubai to support this initiative by leading the donation in their own schools. Zehra and Fariza from Raffles International School, Suri from Dubai National School and Aarav from Woodlem Park School helped Rachel collect the donation.”
THE DONATION
On April 10, the Rachel Foundation and Goa Sudharop handed over 150 kgs of resources, comprising 90 kgs of story books, 60 kgs of notebooks and activity books as well as stationery items, to 8 deserving children form the Kunbi community in the interiors of San Jose de Areal village in Salcete.
Verma D’Mello, Executive President of Goa Sudharop was present on the occasion along with Dr Janice Fernandes, Remy Dias and her daughter, Rachel.
“I felt thrilled to see that the kids were seeing story books for the first time. I hope it develops their love for reading and this motivates me to do more in the future,” said Rachel.
Remy added that the Rachel Foundation in association with Goa Sudharop will lead a series of literacy programmes for deserving kids.
“Plans are afoot to supply story books and educational resources to pre-primary and primary schools under the Diocesan Society for Education in Goa,” said Remy.
